Restraining himself, however, he suddenly turned to his
understrapper, saying, "Symmonds, will you see me thus insulted? go
and trounce this scoundrel; you can, I know." "Symmonds trounce
me!" said the other, going up to the person addressed, and drawing
his hand contemptuously over his face; "why, I beat Symmonds in
this very yard in one round three years ago; didn't I, Symmonds?"
said he to the understrapper, who held down his head, muttering, in
a surly tone, "I didn't come here to fight; let every one take his
own part." "That's right, Symmonds," said the other, "especially
every one from whom there is nothing to be got. I would give you
half-a-crown for all the trouble you have had, provided I were not
afraid that my Lord Plume there would get it from you as soon as
you leave the yard together. Come, take yourselves both off;
there's nothing to be made here." Indeed, his lordship seemed to
be of the same opinion, for after a further glance at the horse, a
contemptuous look at me, and a scowl at the jockey, he turned on
his heel, muttering something which sounded like fellows, and
stalked out of the yard, followed by Symmonds.
"And now, young man," said the jockey, or whatever he was, turning
to me with an arch leer, "I suppose I may consider myself as the
purchaser of this here animal, for the use and behoof of this young
gentleman?" making a sign with his head to the tall young man by
his side.
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